Chris Countryman on Civil Rights

No discrimination based on orientation or gender identity

In favor of expanded hate crime laws protecting individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

In favor of laws that prohibit
students in public schools from participating in any form of discrimination or harassment against fellow students on the basis of their sexual orientation. This also includes harassment and discrimination based on a fellow student's gender or gender
identity.

In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment in the workplace against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment towards individuals on the
basis of sexual orientation or gender identity during the application and hiring process.

In favor of laws that prohibit adoption discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

Ok to refuse church services to gay couples

In favor of laws that allow clergy and churches the right to refuse services to those who do not adhere to their religious beliefs or who are not members of their church or
religious group. This only applies within their churches and places of worship.

In favor of laws ensuring that churches, religious institutions, or other places of worship remain protected under the first amendment. This protection would extend to
all religious institutions as long as they refrain from any and all threats or acts of violence against those who they might oppose based on their religious beliefs.

In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment against any other
federally recognized group or individual.

In favor of laws that prohibit retaliation against anyone who opposes conduct that is considered unlawful under expanded discrimination and harassment laws.

Repeatedly sought same-sex marriage license

Chris Countryman, who repeatedly sought a marriage license in Houston County earlier this year along with his same-sex partner, has announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination for governor. Countryman and partner Bruce Munger Countryman eventually
received a marriage license in Coffee County before Houston County announced it would begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Countryman and Munger were together for more than three years before initially seeking a marriage license.